Soccer

Soccer, also known as football in most countries outside North America, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. The objective of the game is to score goals by getting the ball into the opposing team’s net. Players primarily use their feet to dribble, pass, and shoot the ball, although they can also use their bodies, except for their hands and arms; only the goalkeeper is allowed to handle the ball within the penalty area. The game is played on a rectangular field known as a pitch, with goalposts at each end.

Soccer is governed by the rules established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and is organized globally by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association). The sport is known for its widespread popularity and is played professionally and recreationally around the world. Major international competitions include the FIFA World Cup and continental tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship and the Copa América. Soccer encourages teamwork, strategy, and physical fitness, making it a universally recognized and respected sport.